Word
petite
Phoneticspe·tite, stress on the second syllable
US/pəˈtit/
UK/pətˈiːt/
Definitions
01small and slender build
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing a woman who is short and has a thin, delicate frame.
adj. referring to a woman of small stature and slim, well-proportioned build. Borrowed from French, it carries a generally positive or neutral connotation regarding physical appearance.
“She was so petite that she had to stand on her toes to reach the top shelf.”
“Although she was petite in stature, her commanding voice and confident presence ensured she dominated every room she entered.”
02clothing size
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. a size of clothing made for women who are shorter than average.
adj. denoting a standard clothing size designed to fit women of shorter-than-average height, typically 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) or less.
“I usually have to buy petite jeans because the regular ones are too long.”
“The retailer expanded its petite collection after realizing that a significant portion of their customer base struggled with standard trouser lengths.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03yeast colony
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a type of yeast that grows in very small groups.
n. a mutant strain of yeast that forms smaller-than-normal colonies due to a defect in mitochondrial function.
“The researcher identified a petite mutant in the yeast culture.”
“The presence of petite colonies indicated a respiratory deficiency in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae population being studied.”
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; almost exclusively applied to women rather than men.
Pitfall
He is a petite man.
He is a small man.
The word petite is gender-specific in English and is used only to describe women or girls.
Real-World Examples
“Rapinoe is surprisingly small, a petite frame with a big smile.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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